{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1", "user_comment": "This feed allows you to read the posts from this site in any feed reader that supports the JSON Feed format. To add this feed to your reader, copy the following URL -- https://businessinaction.com/feed/json/ -- and add it your reader.", "home_page_url": "https://businessinaction.com/", "feed_url": "https://businessinaction.com/feed/json/", "title": "Business In Action", "items": [ { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/small-business/credit-card-balances-dipped-but-dont-celebrate-yet/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/small-business/credit-card-balances-dipped-but-dont-celebrate-yet/", "title": "Credit Card Balances Dipped \u2014 But Don\u2019t Celebrate Yet", "content_html": "

The post Credit Card Balances Dipped \u2014 But Don’t Celebrate Yet appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post Credit Card Balances Dipped \u2014 But Don’t Celebrate Yet appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-09-02T08:00:53+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-25T22:40:21+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Consolidating Debt", "Credit cards", "Debt", "Finance", "Finance Tips", "Small Business" ], "summary": "Credit card balances dipped this year \u2014 but it's a seasonal pattern, not real progress, and APRs are still climbing. Learn why the dip reverses and what actually moves the needle on payoff." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/small-business/rates-just-dipped-should-you-refinance-or-wait/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/small-business/rates-just-dipped-should-you-refinance-or-wait/", "title": "Rates Just Dipped \u2014 Should You Refinance or Wait?", "content_html": "

The post Rates Just Dipped \u2014 Should You Refinance or Wait? appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post Rates Just Dipped \u2014 Should You Refinance or Wait? appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-08-27T08:00:03+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-25T22:38:53+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Home Owner", "Interest Rates", "Loans", "Mortgage Rate", "Small Business" ], "summary": "Mortgage rates just dipped, but \"should I refinance\" comes down to math, not headlines. See how to calculate the break-even point, when jumbo loans change the equation, and whether discount points are worth it." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/the-five-minute-business-audit/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/the-five-minute-business-audit/", "title": "The Five-Minute Business Audit", "content_html": "

The post The Five-Minute Business Audit appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post The Five-Minute Business Audit appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-08-19T08:00:41+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-21T22:53:01+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Audit", "Growth", "Marketing", "Operations", "Staffing", "Leadership" ], "summary": "Cut through the noise and pinpoint the single highest-leverage improvement area in five core domains." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/unwrap-your-q4-goals/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/unwrap-your-q4-goals/", "title": "Unwrap Your Q4 Goals", "content_html": "

The post Unwrap Your Q4 Goals appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post Unwrap Your Q4 Goals appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-08-17T08:00:41+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-21T22:32:31+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Business", "Business Strategy", "Leadership", "Quarter", "Strategy" ], "summary": "Use this list to craft more lucrative end-of-year strategies." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/marketing/community-and-capital/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/marketing/community-and-capital/", "title": "Community and Capital", "content_html": "

In the twenty-first century, the way businesses raise capital has evolved dramatically. Traditional methods such as pitch meetings, formal introductions, and financial projections are still important, but they no longer operate alone.

\n

Enter: online communities, potential gold mines that allow business leaders to cultivate trust, demonstrate traction, and attract investors faster than ever before. When used strategically, such platforms can spotlight progress that encourages supporters and investors alike to participate in your company\u2019s growth.

\n
\"\"
\n

\n

Sowing a social media presence

\n

Investors often say they \u201cbet on the jockey, not the horse,\u201d meaning they look closely at the founder just as much as the business model. One of the most significant advantages of social media for business leaders is its ability to amplify personal branding. This tool allows leaders to not only show their expertise and communicate their vision but also build their credibility with the public.

\n

For instance, there are countless examples of home experts who have built large followings by breaking down complex issues into easily digestible content. When you do something similar online, you can position yourself as knowledgeable and trustworthy, making investors more comfortable about a potential partnership because they can clearly see how you think and lead.

\n

Beyond personal branding, social platforms serve as a showcase of traction by providing a live pulse on engagement, customer interest, and community sentiment. When business leaders share milestones like new partnerships and product launches, or even just positive reviews, they provide vital social proof that their business is gaining momentum. For investors who want early indicators of a product-market fit, these real-time signals can be far more compelling than a static PowerPoint slide, demonstrating that people enthusiastically care about what the business is doing.

\n
\"\"
\n

\n

Fostering your virtual village

\n

Community building is another crucial element of securing funding through digital platforms since a strong and engaged community bolsters investor confidence. Whether it\u2019s a LinkedIn following, a Facebook group, a Discord server, or even a subreddit dedicated to the product category, having a group of people who regularly engage with a company\u2019s content and use its products shows that the business has a reliable base of early adopters. A well-known example of such a success is the clothing brand Bombas, which gained a massive following by utilizing and promoting its buy one-give one model of business. Even better, these communities regularly share testimonials, serving as unofficial ambassadors for a brand\u2014all without being prompted.

\n

Just as important, they are often the earliest supporters of fundraising campaigns, especially on crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Wefunder. Such passionate enthusiasm for, and belief in, a business can drive momentum that attracts institutional investors by signaling that demand exists for what the supported company offers.

\n

Because of this, prioritizing engagement within these communities is a must. When you are visible, approachable, and responsive as the lynchpin of the company, you can cultivate trust not only with customers but also with potential investors observing from the sidelines. Host live Q&A sessions, share behind-the-scenes updates, and even consider asking community members for insights into product decisions\u2014whatever keeps the discussion flowing. Such efforts can foster a sense of ownership among followers, compelling them even more to become vocal advocates of your business. In turn, these voices often catch investors\u2019 attention by validating the company\u2019s growth potential.

\n

To that end, many entrepreneurs also announce their fundraising efforts on social media and highlight their progress along the journey. These enthusiastic updates, such as \u201cWe\u2019ve secured 40% of our seed round money!\u201d, create excitement and urgency. And the sense of momentum in the online community often accelerates the fundraising process through sheer enthusiasm and, frankly, a bit of FOMO on an investor\u2019s part.

\n
\"\"
\n

\n

Going straight to the source

\n

Another way you can strategically use social media to secure funding may already be familiar to you: relationship building. Platforms like LinkedIn and X make it exceptionally easy for business owners to connect with investors long before they ever ask for money. By leaving thoughtful comments, sharing your insights, or reacting to industry news on their posts, you can organically enter investors\u2019 spheres of awareness and foster familiarity, potentially leading to more productive conversations and higher chances of investment.

\n

Content creation is also a powerful avenue for demonstrating not only your leadership and firm grasp of your market landscape but also your long-term vision to potential investors, who often are on the lookout for founders with such abilities. Utilizing a tool such as long-form content (blog posts, newsletters, YouTube videos, podcasts, and the like) allows you to articulate your strategic thinking while reinforcing your credibility and commitment.

\n

Through social media and community platforms, today\u2019s business leaders have unprecedented tools at their disposal, including the ability to create an online ecosystem that attracts and accelerates investor interest. At a time when transparency and authenticity matter more than ever, embracing these platforms strategically can uniquely position your businesses to grow and thrive.

\n
\n

TAKE ACTION:
\nBrainstorm the best ways you can engage with your company\u2019s online community to increase your organization\u2019s revenue.

\n

The post Community and Capital appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "In the twenty-first century, the way businesses raise capital has evolved dramatically. Traditional methods such as pitch meetings, formal introductions, and financial projections are still important, but they no longer operate alone.\nEnter: online communities, potential gold mines that allow business leaders to cultivate trust, demonstrate traction, and attract investors faster than ever before. When used strategically, such platforms can spotlight progress that encourages supporters and investors alike to participate in your company\u2019s growth.\n\n\nSowing a social media presence\nInvestors often say they \u201cbet on the jockey, not the horse,\u201d meaning they look closely at the founder just as much as the business model. One of the most significant advantages of social media for business leaders is its ability to amplify personal branding. This tool allows leaders to not only show their expertise and communicate their vision but also build their credibility with the public.\nFor instance, there are countless examples of home experts who have built large followings by breaking down complex issues into easily digestible content. When you do something similar online, you can position yourself as knowledgeable and trustworthy, making investors more comfortable about a potential partnership because they can clearly see how you think and lead.\nBeyond personal branding, social platforms serve as a showcase of traction by providing a live pulse on engagement, customer interest, and community sentiment. When business leaders share milestones like new partnerships and product launches, or even just positive reviews, they provide vital social proof that their business is gaining momentum. For investors who want early indicators of a product-market fit, these real-time signals can be far more compelling than a static PowerPoint slide, demonstrating that people enthusiastically care about what the business is doing.\n\n\nFostering your virtual village\nCommunity building is another crucial element of securing funding through digital platforms since a strong and engaged community bolsters investor confidence. Whether it\u2019s a LinkedIn following, a Facebook group, a Discord server, or even a subreddit dedicated to the product category, having a group of people who regularly engage with a company\u2019s content and use its products shows that the business has a reliable base of early adopters. A well-known example of such a success is the clothing brand Bombas, which gained a massive following by utilizing and promoting its buy one-give one model of business. Even better, these communities regularly share testimonials, serving as unofficial ambassadors for a brand\u2014all without being prompted.\nJust as important, they are often the earliest supporters of fundraising campaigns, especially on crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Wefunder. Such passionate enthusiasm for, and belief in, a business can drive momentum that attracts institutional investors by signaling that demand exists for what the supported company offers.\nBecause of this, prioritizing engagement within these communities is a must. When you are visible, approachable, and responsive as the lynchpin of the company, you can cultivate trust not only with customers but also with potential investors observing from the sidelines. Host live Q&A sessions, share behind-the-scenes updates, and even consider asking community members for insights into product decisions\u2014whatever keeps the discussion flowing. Such efforts can foster a sense of ownership among followers, compelling them even more to become vocal advocates of your business. In turn, these voices often catch investors\u2019 attention by validating the company\u2019s growth potential.\nTo that end, many entrepreneurs also announce their fundraising efforts on social media and highlight their progress along the journey. These enthusiastic updates, such as \u201cWe\u2019ve secured 40% of our seed round money!\u201d, create excitement and urgency. And the sense of momentum in the online community often accelerates the fundraising process through sheer enthusiasm and, frankly, a bit of FOMO on an investor\u2019s part.\n\n\nGoing straight to the source\nAnother way you can strategically use social media to secure funding may already be familiar to you: relationship building. Platforms like LinkedIn and X make it exceptionally easy for business owners to connect with investors long before they ever ask for money. By leaving thoughtful comments, sharing your insights, or reacting to industry news on their posts, you can organically enter investors\u2019 spheres of awareness and foster familiarity, potentially leading to more productive conversations and higher chances of investment.\nContent creation is also a powerful avenue for demonstrating not only your leadership and firm grasp of your market landscape but also your long-term vision to potential investors, who often are on the lookout for founders with such abilities. Utilizing a tool such as long-form content (blog posts, newsletters, YouTube videos, podcasts, and the like) allows you to articulate your strategic thinking while reinforcing your credibility and commitment.\nThrough social media and community platforms, today\u2019s business leaders have unprecedented tools at their disposal, including the ability to create an online ecosystem that attracts and accelerates investor interest. At a time when transparency and authenticity matter more than ever, embracing these platforms strategically can uniquely position your businesses to grow and thrive.\n\nTAKE ACTION:\nBrainstorm the best ways you can engage with your company\u2019s online community to increase your organization\u2019s revenue.\nThe post Community and Capital appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-08-14T08:00:39+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-21T22:17:17+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://businessinaction.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/community-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Business", "Capital", "Investors", "Social Media", "Social Media Strategy", "Marketing" ], "summary": "Discover how you can leverage social media engagement and loyalty to increase your chances of securing funding." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/marketing/the-power-of-microtrust-marketing/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/marketing/the-power-of-microtrust-marketing/", "title": "The Power of Microtrust Marketing", "content_html": "

The modern consumer is overwhelmed by a sea of advertising, from promotional social media posts to pre-roll commercials featuring Hollywood and social media elite.

\n

While landing such high-profile endorsements might seem like a recipe for success, bombarding consumers with this lofty imagery has led to an unexpected contrary effect: a crisis of trust. Why should your target audience have faith in recommendations from far-off individuals who don\u2019t use your product organically or engage with your customer service directly?

\n

In the face of many audiences\u2019 growing distrust of business marketing, don\u2019t swell your marketing budget to buy the next big endorsement. Rather, adjust your techniques and return them to a more human scale, where greater dependability can sway more consumers.

\n

Welcome to the age of microtrust, which is effectively handing power back to small businesses over corporate giants. This new landscape prioritizes authenticity, relatability, and personal recommendations in marketing. If you own or lead a small business, delve into some of these key approaches to fostering microtrust.

\n
\"\"
\n

\n

The faith crisis

\n

Until recently, celebrity endorsements were the gold standard of marketing. The theory was simple: If a famous person uses it, then it must be valuable. But modern consumers are acutely aware that these rubber stamps are often transactional and not genuine backings. And hard data reflects this skepticism. While brands continue to invest billions in macro-campaigns, consumer trust in traditional advertising is plummeting. The perceived distance between a global celebrity and the everyday purchaser creates a trust gap that even expensive campaigns simply cannot bridge. This may be positive news for you; after all, forking over funds for prominent endorsements may be financially unfeasible.

\n

Luckily, consumers place more trust in messaging that is far less expensive for you to generate. Local praise and referrals from loved ones may surpass other forms of advertising. So to achieve your marketing goals, the smartest play may be leveraging the trust inherent in being the opposite of a celebrity or mega influencer: a local and relatable voice. Doing so can grant you the kind of authenticity that large corporate competitors can\u2019t touch.

\n
\"\"
\n

\n

Neighborhood impact

\n

The most compelling proof that influence is about resonance, not reach, is the dramatic rise of the microinfluencer: creators with audiences typically ranging from 1,000 to 100,000 followers.

\n

While they lack the audience size of an A-lister, they command something far more valuable in the form of intimacy and niche know-how. Their followers view them not as distant icons but as peers, neighbors, and trusted experts. This personal connection results in startlingly high-performance metrics. According to Sales Hub, microinfluencers often achieve engagement rates of 3\u20138 percent or higher than their celebrity macroinfluencer counterparts. This enhanced engagement can directly translate to higher conversion rates for the businesses they promote.

\n

For your small business, partnering with such creators to build a more intimate marketing strategy can offer two critical advantages:

\n
    \n
  1. Higher ROI
    \nMicroinfluencer partnerships are affordable. You can partner with a dozen smaller creators for the price of a single post from a celebrity, allowing you to diversify your message and reach multiple niche communities. The efficiency is undeniable: some reports show that campaigns featuring nano- and microinfluencers deliver an ROI of up to twenty times higher than those sponsored by larger ones.
    2. \n
  2. Hypertargeting
    \nGlobal influencers may have tremendous reach, but a local coffee shop doesn\u2019t need followers in another country; it needs customers within a three-mile radius. Partnering with a local food blogger or a fitness coach who films their morning routine at a neighborhood studio ensures that your marketing budget only reaches relevant customers. Consider how you can apply this potential to suit your specific industry segment.
    3. \n
\n
\"\"
\n

\n

The unbeatable power of the peer

\n

Beyond the digital landscape, peer recommendations (or, simply, word of mouth) remain a foundational pillar of microtrust. This is the single most successful marketing tool for small businesses, and no celebrity campaign can touch its efficacy. Consider the following:

\n\n

Upward of 80\u201385 percent of US small businesses reportedly cite referrals as their most successful marketing tool. This is the organic bedrock of the age of microtrust. Happy customers become authentic advocates, turning their personal experience into credible social proof.

\n

As a small-business owner, your strategy should be built on cultivating these authentic connections. This new age of microtrust is a reminder that the most compelling influence is always found on a human scale, right in your own neighborhood.

\n
\n

TAKE ACTION:
\nResearch at least three local creators who you could contact to arrange a partnership opportunity and at least three avenues for requesting consumer referrals.

\n

The post The Power of Microtrust Marketing appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The modern consumer is overwhelmed by a sea of advertising, from promotional social media posts to pre-roll commercials featuring Hollywood and social media elite.\nWhile landing such high-profile endorsements might seem like a recipe for success, bombarding consumers with this lofty imagery has led to an unexpected contrary effect: a crisis of trust. Why should your target audience have faith in recommendations from far-off individuals who don\u2019t use your product organically or engage with your customer service directly?\nIn the face of many audiences\u2019 growing distrust of business marketing, don\u2019t swell your marketing budget to buy the next big endorsement. Rather, adjust your techniques and return them to a more human scale, where greater dependability can sway more consumers.\nWelcome to the age of microtrust, which is effectively handing power back to small businesses over corporate giants. This new landscape prioritizes authenticity, relatability, and personal recommendations in marketing. If you own or lead a small business, delve into some of these key approaches to fostering microtrust.\n\n\nThe faith crisis\nUntil recently, celebrity endorsements were the gold standard of marketing. The theory was simple: If a famous person uses it, then it must be valuable. But modern consumers are acutely aware that these rubber stamps are often transactional and not genuine backings. And hard data reflects this skepticism. While brands continue to invest billions in macro-campaigns, consumer trust in traditional advertising is plummeting. The perceived distance between a global celebrity and the everyday purchaser creates a trust gap that even expensive campaigns simply cannot bridge. This may be positive news for you; after all, forking over funds for prominent endorsements may be financially unfeasible.\nLuckily, consumers place more trust in messaging that is far less expensive for you to generate. Local praise and referrals from loved ones may surpass other forms of advertising. So to achieve your marketing goals, the smartest play may be leveraging the trust inherent in being the opposite of a celebrity or mega influencer: a local and relatable voice. Doing so can grant you the kind of authenticity that large corporate competitors can\u2019t touch.\n\n\nNeighborhood impact\nThe most compelling proof that influence is about resonance, not reach, is the dramatic rise of the microinfluencer: creators with audiences typically ranging from 1,000 to 100,000 followers.\nWhile they lack the audience size of an A-lister, they command something far more valuable in the form of intimacy and niche know-how. Their followers view them not as distant icons but as peers, neighbors, and trusted experts. This personal connection results in startlingly high-performance metrics. According to Sales Hub, microinfluencers often achieve engagement rates of 3\u20138 percent or higher than their celebrity macroinfluencer counterparts. This enhanced engagement can directly translate to higher conversion rates for the businesses they promote.\nFor your small business, partnering with such creators to build a more intimate marketing strategy can offer two critical advantages:\n\nHigher ROI\nMicroinfluencer partnerships are affordable. You can partner with a dozen smaller creators for the price of a single post from a celebrity, allowing you to diversify your message and reach multiple niche communities. The efficiency is undeniable: some reports show that campaigns featuring nano- and microinfluencers deliver an ROI of up to twenty times higher than those sponsored by larger ones.\nHypertargeting\nGlobal influencers may have tremendous reach, but a local coffee shop doesn\u2019t need followers in another country; it needs customers within a three-mile radius. Partnering with a local food blogger or a fitness coach who films their morning routine at a neighborhood studio ensures that your marketing budget only reaches relevant customers. Consider how you can apply this potential to suit your specific industry segment.\n\n\n\nThe unbeatable power of the peer\nBeyond the digital landscape, peer recommendations (or, simply, word of mouth) remain a foundational pillar of microtrust. This is the single most successful marketing tool for small businesses, and no celebrity campaign can touch its efficacy. Consider the following:\n\nConversion: Consumers are four times more likely to buy when referred by a friend.\nSales impact: Word-of-mouth impressions drive at least five times more sales than paid advertising impressions.\nLifetime value: Referred customers don\u2019t just buy once; they are more likely to stick around and generate a higher lifetime value for your business.\n\nUpward of 80\u201385 percent of US small businesses reportedly cite referrals as their most successful marketing tool. This is the organic bedrock of the age of microtrust. Happy customers become authentic advocates, turning their personal experience into credible social proof.\nAs a small-business owner, your strategy should be built on cultivating these authentic connections. This new age of microtrust is a reminder that the most compelling influence is always found on a human scale, right in your own neighborhood.\n\nTAKE ACTION:\nResearch at least three local creators who you could contact to arrange a partnership opportunity and at least three avenues for requesting consumer referrals.\nThe post The Power of Microtrust Marketing appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-08-12T08:00:09+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-21T22:13:40+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://businessinaction.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/microtrust-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Marketing", "ROI", "Social Media", "Target Audience" ], "summary": "Sharpen your organization\u2019s marketing tactics with this more intimate approach." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/small-business/the-business-of-elder-equine-care/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/small-business/the-business-of-elder-equine-care/", "title": "The Business of Elder Equine Care", "content_html": "

Photos courtesy of: Ryerss Farm For Aged Equines

\n

Samuel Griffin, president of Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, discusses what it takes to run his organization, the country\u2019s first horse rescue and retirement farm and the oldest nonprofit horse sanctuary in America.

\n

Tell us about how Ryerss Farm came to be:
\nDuring the Victorian era, horses were considered to be mere machinery. Our founder, Anne Waln-Ryerss, had compassion for these animals and was one of a growing number of people at the time who insisted that horses should be cared for. Our farm grew out of that movement. Anne was a dedicated animal advocate during her lifetime, as were her and her husband\u2019s families, helping to create both the Pennsylvania SPCA and the American Anti-Vivisectionist Society. We opened in 1888, thanks to money she left for building a place that cared for older and injured animals.

\n

How big is the farm today, and what takes place there?
\nWe own around four hundred acres and around eighty stalls. At any given time, we have from seventy-nine to eighty-five equines living here\u2014not only horses but also mules and donkeys. We\u2019ve housed just about every equine other than zebras.

\n

When we settled into our current location, we preserved the land for agricultural use only to support as many animals as we could. Half of it is dedicated grazing space for the animals, and the other half is farmland. We grow our own hay, straw, and corn and sell the corn on the open market. Overall, it\u2019s a big operation.

\n

Are you open year-round?
\nYes, 365 days a year from 10:00 to 4:00, with free admission. We\u2019ll sometimes close for a holiday, although people have been known to just show up to see the horses on Christmas morning.

\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

What\u2019s it like to run a year-round organization and farm that cares for dozens of equines?
\nThere\u2019s a huge amount of work involved. Our farm manager, Cory Mowrer, takes care of all the farm operations, doing so much of the overall work. But it\u2019s also handled by a few other full-time employees, including an on-site, live-in veterinarian, and around one hundred volunteers. It\u2019s basically like running a retirement home for horses. However, none of the people who do it would say it\u2019s work because they all love caring for the animals. That\u2019s why we have almost no turnover.

\n

My house is actually right next to the farm, so I can see everything happening firsthand even when I\u2019m at home. For example, we produced about forty to forty-five acres of corn last year. Watching it grow all season and then get harvested in fall just reminded me about how much goes into running this place. I find it astounding.

\n

What\u2019s the most challenging aspect of running the business?
\nYou\u2019d probably get a different answer from every person here. For me, it\u2019s financial because I wake up every morning thinking about how we\u2019re going to make ends meet. For others, the biggest challenge is keeping the farm in order. In addition to caring for our animals, we have a lot of buildings with a lot of roofs and plumbing, for example, and it\u2019s always a roll of the dice every year determining what crops to sow and where\u2014all the worries of a farmer. Cory\u2019s an excellent one, and he approaches it very intelligently.

\n

Supply and demand is always a critical part of running a business. How is that balance for Ryerss?
\nDemand is not quite as huge as it was when I first got here, only because we accepted most horses on our waiting list, yet we\u2019d never see many of them. That list has only gotten bigger, so for horses to be on it now, we ask their owners to pay a $250 fee, which goes toward their horse\u2019s entrance fee to live here. If they never show up, it\u2019s considered a donation to Ryerss. This better ensures that people who put their horses on our list are serious about it.

\n

Our waiting list extends out about two and a half to three years. To secure a spot, some people put their horse on the list when it\u2019s quite young and then wait years for it to turn twenty, our minimum age limit. Others put it in their will that their horse is to come here if it outlives them.

\n

Being a locally based nonprofit, how do you raise capital?
\nAbout 40 percent comes from charitable donations, and we have a $10,000 admittance fee for each horse that\u2019s brought in, which pays for its care for a year and a half to two years. We also hold annual events to raise money.

\n

We\u2019re playing the long game here as far as I\u2019m concerned. For instance, if we have a thousand visitors and one hundred of them turn out to be well off, maybe two out of that one hundred wind up not having any children and don\u2019t know where they\u2019re going to leave their money. Ideally, we want them to donate it to Ryerss.

\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

You mentioned events. How many do you have each year, and what role do they serve in the grand scheme of things at Ryerss?
\nWe started holding them for consistent visibility and awareness, so that people would come and see us and know what we do, and to raise a little money. In autumn, for instance, we hold our birthday gala, a fundraising brunch and auction; and in December, a free holiday event, which is a big draw.

\n

In spring, we have a 5K run/1K walk that goes around the farm; that\u2019s gotten bigger every year. And during summer, we have our Family Fun Day, which includes family-friendly food and activities. Everything is bought through tickets, which we sell for a dollar each, and nothing costs more than about five tickets. We also host summer camps where kids learn about horses and farming, encouraging future interest in both.

\n

How crucial are your volunteers to your success?
\nThey\u2019re the key to the whole thing. And I don\u2019t mean just the volunteers cleaning the stables but also our board of managers, which is comprised of nine volunteers with horse backgrounds, and our board of advisors. All these people are normally quite busy, yet they make sure to give their time to the farm. There are only about five or six paid staff in the whole shooting match here, such as the office manager, animal welfare manager, and farm manager.

\n

What does Ryerss mean to its community?
\nThat\u2019s a good question. This part of Chester County is becoming suburbanized, but Ryerss will always be evergreen. People here know we\u2019re never going to move, which provides a sense of stability in changing times. And, of course, because of the influx of visitors we get, it\u2019s great for the community as a whole. I think we\u2019re an important piece of it.

\n

What\u2019s the best part of this venture for you?
\nI grew up with horses; my grandparents and parents both had them. I was a rider from a young age, which I enjoyed immensely, and I was always very attached to our horses. In fact, I was retired when some friends of mine on the board of managers here asked if I\u2019d like to join them, which was a no-brainer. I\u2019ve been here fifteen years now after my first \u201cretirement,\u201d which is a testament to how much I love Ryerss, its staff, and its residents. Every person is here for a greater purpose, which makes all the effort the farm requires well worth it.

\n

For more info, visit ryerssfarm.org

\n

The post The Business of Elder Equine Care appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "Photos courtesy of: Ryerss Farm For Aged Equines\nSamuel Griffin, president of Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, discusses what it takes to run his organization, the country\u2019s first horse rescue and retirement farm and the oldest nonprofit horse sanctuary in America.\nTell us about how Ryerss Farm came to be:\nDuring the Victorian era, horses were considered to be mere machinery. Our founder, Anne Waln-Ryerss, had compassion for these animals and was one of a growing number of people at the time who insisted that horses should be cared for. Our farm grew out of that movement. Anne was a dedicated animal advocate during her lifetime, as were her and her husband\u2019s families, helping to create both the Pennsylvania SPCA and the American Anti-Vivisectionist Society. We opened in 1888, thanks to money she left for building a place that cared for older and injured animals.\nHow big is the farm today, and what takes place there?\nWe own around four hundred acres and around eighty stalls. At any given time, we have from seventy-nine to eighty-five equines living here\u2014not only horses but also mules and donkeys. We\u2019ve housed just about every equine other than zebras.\nWhen we settled into our current location, we preserved the land for agricultural use only to support as many animals as we could. Half of it is dedicated grazing space for the animals, and the other half is farmland. We grow our own hay, straw, and corn and sell the corn on the open market. Overall, it\u2019s a big operation.\nAre you open year-round?\nYes, 365 days a year from 10:00 to 4:00, with free admission. We\u2019ll sometimes close for a holiday, although people have been known to just show up to see the horses on Christmas morning.\n\n \nWhat\u2019s it like to run a year-round organization and farm that cares for dozens of equines?\nThere\u2019s a huge amount of work involved. Our farm manager, Cory Mowrer, takes care of all the farm operations, doing so much of the overall work. But it\u2019s also handled by a few other full-time employees, including an on-site, live-in veterinarian, and around one hundred volunteers. It\u2019s basically like running a retirement home for horses. However, none of the people who do it would say it\u2019s work because they all love caring for the animals. That\u2019s why we have almost no turnover.\nMy house is actually right next to the farm, so I can see everything happening firsthand even when I\u2019m at home. For example, we produced about forty to forty-five acres of corn last year. Watching it grow all season and then get harvested in fall just reminded me about how much goes into running this place. I find it astounding.\nWhat\u2019s the most challenging aspect of running the business?\nYou\u2019d probably get a different answer from every person here. For me, it\u2019s financial because I wake up every morning thinking about how we\u2019re going to make ends meet. For others, the biggest challenge is keeping the farm in order. In addition to caring for our animals, we have a lot of buildings with a lot of roofs and plumbing, for example, and it\u2019s always a roll of the dice every year determining what crops to sow and where\u2014all the worries of a farmer. Cory\u2019s an excellent one, and he approaches it very intelligently.\nSupply and demand is always a critical part of running a business. How is that balance for Ryerss?\nDemand is not quite as huge as it was when I first got here, only because we accepted most horses on our waiting list, yet we\u2019d never see many of them. That list has only gotten bigger, so for horses to be on it now, we ask their owners to pay a $250 fee, which goes toward their horse\u2019s entrance fee to live here. If they never show up, it\u2019s considered a donation to Ryerss. This better ensures that people who put their horses on our list are serious about it.\nOur waiting list extends out about two and a half to three years. To secure a spot, some people put their horse on the list when it\u2019s quite young and then wait years for it to turn twenty, our minimum age limit. Others put it in their will that their horse is to come here if it outlives them.\nBeing a locally based nonprofit, how do you raise capital?\nAbout 40 percent comes from charitable donations, and we have a $10,000 admittance fee for each horse that\u2019s brought in, which pays for its care for a year and a half to two years. We also hold annual events to raise money.\nWe\u2019re playing the long game here as far as I\u2019m concerned. For instance, if we have a thousand visitors and one hundred of them turn out to be well off, maybe two out of that one hundred wind up not having any children and don\u2019t know where they\u2019re going to leave their money. Ideally, we want them to donate it to Ryerss.\n\n \nYou mentioned events. How many do you have each year, and what role do they serve in the grand scheme of things at Ryerss?\nWe started holding them for consistent visibility and awareness, so that people would come and see us and know what we do, and to raise a little money. In autumn, for instance, we hold our birthday gala, a fundraising brunch and auction; and in December, a free holiday event, which is a big draw.\nIn spring, we have a 5K run/1K walk that goes around the farm; that\u2019s gotten bigger every year. And during summer, we have our Family Fun Day, which includes family-friendly food and activities. Everything is bought through tickets, which we sell for a dollar each, and nothing costs more than about five tickets. We also host summer camps where kids learn about horses and farming, encouraging future interest in both.\nHow crucial are your volunteers to your success?\nThey\u2019re the key to the whole thing. And I don\u2019t mean just the volunteers cleaning the stables but also our board of managers, which is comprised of nine volunteers with horse backgrounds, and our board of advisors. All these people are normally quite busy, yet they make sure to give their time to the farm. There are only about five or six paid staff in the whole shooting match here, such as the office manager, animal welfare manager, and farm manager.\nWhat does Ryerss mean to its community?\nThat\u2019s a good question. This part of Chester County is becoming suburbanized, but Ryerss will always be evergreen. People here know we\u2019re never going to move, which provides a sense of stability in changing times. And, of course, because of the influx of visitors we get, it\u2019s great for the community as a whole. I think we\u2019re an important piece of it.\nWhat\u2019s the best part of this venture for you?\nI grew up with horses; my grandparents and parents both had them. I was a rider from a young age, which I enjoyed immensely, and I was always very attached to our horses. In fact, I was retired when some friends of mine on the board of managers here asked if I\u2019d like to join them, which was a no-brainer. I\u2019ve been here fifteen years now after my first \u201cretirement,\u201d which is a testament to how much I love Ryerss, its staff, and its residents. Every person is here for a greater purpose, which makes all the effort the farm requires well worth it.\nFor more info, visit ryerssfarm.org\nThe post The Business of Elder Equine Care appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-08-10T08:00:02+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-21T22:10:23+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://businessinaction.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/equine-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Farm", "Horses", "Leadership", "Nonprofit", "Pennsylvania", "Small Business" ], "summary": "An inside look at Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines, a Pennsylvania nonprofit dedicated to senior animals." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/marketing/how-to-harvest-more-referrals/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/marketing/how-to-harvest-more-referrals/", "title": "How to Harvest More Referrals", "content_html": "

With a new season ahead and fresh referral opportunities ripe for the taking, heed these insights from Peter Fournier, founder and owner of All Things Insurance Group, who explores how to make more of these lucrative contacts fall into place.

\n
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\n

\u201cI had to lower my company\u2019s cost per acquisition, and the main way to do that was by prioritizing referrals.\u201d

\n

Fournier acknowledges a foundational fact of running a business: investing in earning more referrals is generally far less expensive than marketing to cold leads and trying to generate more business out of the blue. In fact, if you establish a smooth referral process, these contacts can become practically organic. This means that, with little ongoing effort on your part, new and highly relevant leads can continue to find their way to you.

\n

\u201cStatistically, referrals will close 50 percent higher than cold leads based on your business\u2019s closing ratio.\u201d

\n

Fournier\u2019s fact underscores the importance of prioritizing referrals over virtually any other lead source. Although your marketing and sales strategies should include cold and warm outreach, honing in on how you can maximize your referrals can tip some serious numbers in your favor. Whether your organization\u2019s goal is to boost sales rates in a specific area, achieve certain revenue goals by the end of the year, or improve customer retention in an attempt to rein in your customer acquisition costs, focusing on your referral rates could be your most straightforward route to success this season.

\n
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\n

\u201cStaying in front of clients is one of the best ways to harvest referrals from them.\u201d

\n

For a client to refer your business to their loved ones, they have to remember you exist. While it\u2019s an excellent idea to ask recently onboarded customers, or those who just made a repeat purchase, to share your name with their circle, don\u2019t just request referrals on day one. Instead, your process should establish regular, consistent contact.

\n

Consider Fournier\u2019s strategy: reaching out to his entire client list every six months or so. This can include happy birthday text messages, holiday mailers, and follow-up emails (e.g., \u201cWe miss you! Let\u2019s work together soon.\u201d) Scheduling both promotional and personal touchpoints, and automating them where possible, can help prevent your loyal clientele from forgetting about you.

\n

Additionally, maintaining an active presence and loyal following on your socials, which you should saturate with educational, entertaining, and endearing content, helps keep you top of mind with your client list. So if a client has a loved one or business contact who needs your products or services, they\u2019ll instantly think to pass on your name.

\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

\u201cRequesting referrals is sometimes simpler than making a big ask.\u201d

\n

In other words, there are more ways to ask for a referral than outright stating, \u201cPlease tell your friends about us!\u201d While this is a helpful tactic, there are subtler, more incisive approaches you could take to make the request.

\n

Take the tactic Fournier uses within his own insurance company. When his team signs a new client, it requests that they list at least three beneficiaries for their policy. It tells the policyholder that a rep will be reaching out to each of those beneficiaries, explaining what it will share with each of these individuals, and then asking the client to text each beneficiary immediately to let them know that someone will be in touch.

\n

Afterward, his team reaches out to the client\u2019s contacts to start conversations. These are not overt sales calls but, rather, valuable discussions, notifying the client that they were listed as a beneficiary and by whom. But the discussions don\u2019t end there. Fournier\u2019s team then asks the client about their own insurance coverage: \u201cBy the way, do you have a similar plan in place?\u201d If not, then this transitions to a straightforward pitch. If they do have a policy, the caller then asks if they can help review the individual\u2019s existing plan for opportunities to maximize their coverage or save them money. Fournier recalls that he has never had anyone say no to this request.

\n

Through this innovative approach, each conversation with a new client organically evolves into multiple value-rich discussions with the enrollee\u2019s loved ones. These touchpoints can lead to an immediate sale or, at least, brand awareness that Fournier and his team can continue nurturing. It\u2019s a tactic that\u2019s applicable across industries, and you could very well develop such a tool to add to your team\u2019s arsenal for the months ahead.

\n
\n

TAKE ACTION:
\nConsider how you can optimize the referral tactics in your organization, tracking their efficacy with detailed metrics.

\n

The post How to Harvest More Referrals appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "With a new season ahead and fresh referral opportunities ripe for the taking, heed these insights from Peter Fournier, founder and owner of All Things Insurance Group, who explores how to make more of these lucrative contacts fall into place.\n\n\n\u201cI had to lower my company\u2019s cost per acquisition, and the main way to do that was by prioritizing referrals.\u201d\nFournier acknowledges a foundational fact of running a business: investing in earning more referrals is generally far less expensive than marketing to cold leads and trying to generate more business out of the blue. In fact, if you establish a smooth referral process, these contacts can become practically organic. This means that, with little ongoing effort on your part, new and highly relevant leads can continue to find their way to you.\n\u201cStatistically, referrals will close 50 percent higher than cold leads based on your business\u2019s closing ratio.\u201d\nFournier\u2019s fact underscores the importance of prioritizing referrals over virtually any other lead source. Although your marketing and sales strategies should include cold and warm outreach, honing in on how you can maximize your referrals can tip some serious numbers in your favor. Whether your organization\u2019s goal is to boost sales rates in a specific area, achieve certain revenue goals by the end of the year, or improve customer retention in an attempt to rein in your customer acquisition costs, focusing on your referral rates could be your most straightforward route to success this season.\n\n \n\u201cStaying in front of clients is one of the best ways to harvest referrals from them.\u201d\nFor a client to refer your business to their loved ones, they have to remember you exist. While it\u2019s an excellent idea to ask recently onboarded customers, or those who just made a repeat purchase, to share your name with their circle, don\u2019t just request referrals on day one. Instead, your process should establish regular, consistent contact.\nConsider Fournier\u2019s strategy: reaching out to his entire client list every six months or so. This can include happy birthday text messages, holiday mailers, and follow-up emails (e.g., \u201cWe miss you! Let\u2019s work together soon.\u201d) Scheduling both promotional and personal touchpoints, and automating them where possible, can help prevent your loyal clientele from forgetting about you.\nAdditionally, maintaining an active presence and loyal following on your socials, which you should saturate with educational, entertaining, and endearing content, helps keep you top of mind with your client list. So if a client has a loved one or business contact who needs your products or services, they\u2019ll instantly think to pass on your name.\n\n \n\u201cRequesting referrals is sometimes simpler than making a big ask.\u201d\nIn other words, there are more ways to ask for a referral than outright stating, \u201cPlease tell your friends about us!\u201d While this is a helpful tactic, there are subtler, more incisive approaches you could take to make the request.\nTake the tactic Fournier uses within his own insurance company. When his team signs a new client, it requests that they list at least three beneficiaries for their policy. It tells the policyholder that a rep will be reaching out to each of those beneficiaries, explaining what it will share with each of these individuals, and then asking the client to text each beneficiary immediately to let them know that someone will be in touch.\nAfterward, his team reaches out to the client\u2019s contacts to start conversations. These are not overt sales calls but, rather, valuable discussions, notifying the client that they were listed as a beneficiary and by whom. But the discussions don\u2019t end there. Fournier\u2019s team then asks the client about their own insurance coverage: \u201cBy the way, do you have a similar plan in place?\u201d If not, then this transitions to a straightforward pitch. If they do have a policy, the caller then asks if they can help review the individual\u2019s existing plan for opportunities to maximize their coverage or save them money. Fournier recalls that he has never had anyone say no to this request.\nThrough this innovative approach, each conversation with a new client organically evolves into multiple value-rich discussions with the enrollee\u2019s loved ones. These touchpoints can lead to an immediate sale or, at least, brand awareness that Fournier and his team can continue nurturing. It\u2019s a tactic that\u2019s applicable across industries, and you could very well develop such a tool to add to your team\u2019s arsenal for the months ahead.\n\nTAKE ACTION:\nConsider how you can optimize the referral tactics in your organization, tracking their efficacy with detailed metrics.\nThe post How to Harvest More Referrals appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-08-07T08:00:24+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-21T22:06:23+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://businessinaction.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/referrals-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Autumn", "Customers", "Fall", "Marketing", "Outreach", "Promotion", "Referrals" ], "summary": "Get innovative strategies for enhancing your referrals this season." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/marketing/how-to-win-the-holiday-season/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/marketing/how-to-win-the-holiday-season/", "title": "How to Win the Holiday Season", "content_html": "

Holiday marketing success is rarely about demand. It is about timing, clarity, and execution discipline. Businesses that prepare early, commit to a single clear message, fund what converts, and protect their teams consistently outperform competitors who wait for urgency to force action.

\n

Most businesses fall short because planning starts after competitors are already executing.

\n

By the time festive visuals appear and discounts roll out, customer attention is already fragmented and advertising costs are already climbing. At that point, even strong ideas struggle\u2014not because they lack merit, but because timing is working against them. Late entry forces louder messaging into a crowded market, where attention is scarce and tolerance is low.

\n

Holiday marketing rewards early preparation and sharper choices. The businesses that win do not try to out-shout competitors at the peak. They arrive earlier with a clear point of view and allow familiarity to do part of the work. If the goal is measurable revenue rather than seasonal noise, you must make decisions before urgency peaks and options narrow.

\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

Blending destroys holiday results

\n

Shoppers behave differently during the holidays than they do the rest of the year. They browse outside their usual brands, compare faster, and make decisions under time pressure. This creates opportunity, but only for businesses that are abundantly clear about why they matter immediately.

\n

Seasonal visuals alone do not earn attention; red and green do not differentiate anything. What cuts through is a single, concrete reason to choose you during the holiday window. And that reason must be obvious within seconds. If clarity requires effort, most shoppers will not invest it.

\n

The strongest holiday offers usually anchor on one advantage: price, speed, convenience, or reduced risk. The most common mistake is trying to communicate all of them at once. When everything is emphasized, nothing lands. Focus sharpens recall, and recall drives conversion when buyers are scanning quickly for certainty.

\n

Value still matters during the holidays, but only when it is specific. If you offer discounts, rewards, or bundles, show the math: \u201cSave 20 percent\u201d feels abstract, yet \u201cSave $120 on your year-end order\u201d feels concrete. Precision reduces hesitation, which kills holiday conversions.

\n

For products or services that are not naturally giftable, reframing is essential since holiday buyers respond to immediacy. A long-term benefit rarely converts on its own, but a short, defined offer that solves a current pain does. During a high-stress season, customers gravitate toward relief, control, and peace of mind, not distant future outcomes.

\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

Early execution builds leverage

\n

Once your message is defined, timing becomes a multiplier, so draft emails, social ads, landing pages, and direct mail well before November. Early visibility builds familiarity, lowers acquisition costs, and warms audiences before urgency peaks. That way, by the time competitors flood inboxes and feeds, your message feels known rather than intrusive.

\n

Waiting until December does not create excitement. It forces you to sell in the most competitive, expensive moment of the year, when attention is fragmented and experimentation is risky. Early execution allows you to be present without shouting, which often converts better during a noisy season.

\n

It also creates room for adjustment. Campaigns launched in advance can be refined based on engagement and response instead of being rushed into market with no margin for correction. Small improvements made early routinely outperform large changes made under pressure.

\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

Fast payback channels require funding

\n

Strong messaging only works when supported by disciplined investment. Holiday marketing often requires increased spend, but spending without constraint is one of the fastest ways to erode returns and experience postholiday regret. Not every channel earns the right to scale during a compressed buying window.

\n

Increase investment only in channels with a proven ability to convert before year-end. For example, retargeting, email, high-intent search, and known customer segments consistently perform best when timelines are short. Broad awareness campaigns rarely pay back fast enough during the holiday window, regardless of creativity.

\n

Budget planning must also account for operational reality. Inventory, fulfillment, and customer support capacity directly influence conversion. Scarcity messaging can motivate buyers, but running out of product or missing delivery expectations ends the relationship entirely. Adequate stock and reliable fulfillment ensure that demand is captured instead of wasted when customers are ready to commit.

\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

Teams need capacity

\n

Holiday performance is not driven by marketing alone. Execution breaks down when teams are exhausted, unclear on priorities, or reacting instead of following a plan.

\n

Chaos shows up as inconsistent messaging, missed deadlines, and avoidable errors, none of which customers forgive during peak season. Pressure does not create clarity. Preparation does.

\n

Set expectations early. Define timelines, approvals, and ownership before volume increases. Clarity reduces stress and speeds decision-making when pressure rises. Visible progress toward goals and regular sharing of campaign wins reinforce momentum without adding unnecessary strain.

\n

When teams understand how their work connects directly to revenue and customer experience, quality improves. That consistency is often the difference between a one-time holiday transaction and a customer who returns in January with trust already established.

\n

Holiday marketing success comes down to timing and execution discipline. Businesses that prepare early, commit to one clear message, fund what converts, and protect their teams tend to finish the season with stronger revenue and momentum that carries into the new year.

\n
\n

TAKE ACTION:
\nCreate a simple holiday marketing strategy board now, defining one core message, key dates, channels, budget limits, and ownership.

\n

The post How to Win the Holiday Season appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "Holiday marketing success is rarely about demand. It is about timing, clarity, and execution discipline. Businesses that prepare early, commit to a single clear message, fund what converts, and protect their teams consistently outperform competitors who wait for urgency to force action.\nMost businesses fall short because planning starts after competitors are already executing.\nBy the time festive visuals appear and discounts roll out, customer attention is already fragmented and advertising costs are already climbing. At that point, even strong ideas struggle\u2014not because they lack merit, but because timing is working against them. Late entry forces louder messaging into a crowded market, where attention is scarce and tolerance is low.\nHoliday marketing rewards early preparation and sharper choices. The businesses that win do not try to out-shout competitors at the peak. They arrive earlier with a clear point of view and allow familiarity to do part of the work. If the goal is measurable revenue rather than seasonal noise, you must make decisions before urgency peaks and options narrow.\n\n \nBlending destroys holiday results\nShoppers behave differently during the holidays than they do the rest of the year. They browse outside their usual brands, compare faster, and make decisions under time pressure. This creates opportunity, but only for businesses that are abundantly clear about why they matter immediately.\nSeasonal visuals alone do not earn attention; red and green do not differentiate anything. What cuts through is a single, concrete reason to choose you during the holiday window. And that reason must be obvious within seconds. If clarity requires effort, most shoppers will not invest it.\nThe strongest holiday offers usually anchor on one advantage: price, speed, convenience, or reduced risk. The most common mistake is trying to communicate all of them at once. When everything is emphasized, nothing lands. Focus sharpens recall, and recall drives conversion when buyers are scanning quickly for certainty.\nValue still matters during the holidays, but only when it is specific. If you offer discounts, rewards, or bundles, show the math: \u201cSave 20 percent\u201d feels abstract, yet \u201cSave $120 on your year-end order\u201d feels concrete. Precision reduces hesitation, which kills holiday conversions.\nFor products or services that are not naturally giftable, reframing is essential since holiday buyers respond to immediacy. A long-term benefit rarely converts on its own, but a short, defined offer that solves a current pain does. During a high-stress season, customers gravitate toward relief, control, and peace of mind, not distant future outcomes.\n\n \nEarly execution builds leverage\nOnce your message is defined, timing becomes a multiplier, so draft emails, social ads, landing pages, and direct mail well before November. Early visibility builds familiarity, lowers acquisition costs, and warms audiences before urgency peaks. That way, by the time competitors flood inboxes and feeds, your message feels known rather than intrusive.\nWaiting until December does not create excitement. It forces you to sell in the most competitive, expensive moment of the year, when attention is fragmented and experimentation is risky. Early execution allows you to be present without shouting, which often converts better during a noisy season.\nIt also creates room for adjustment. Campaigns launched in advance can be refined based on engagement and response instead of being rushed into market with no margin for correction. Small improvements made early routinely outperform large changes made under pressure.\n\n \nFast payback channels require funding\nStrong messaging only works when supported by disciplined investment. Holiday marketing often requires increased spend, but spending without constraint is one of the fastest ways to erode returns and experience postholiday regret. Not every channel earns the right to scale during a compressed buying window.\nIncrease investment only in channels with a proven ability to convert before year-end. For example, retargeting, email, high-intent search, and known customer segments consistently perform best when timelines are short. Broad awareness campaigns rarely pay back fast enough during the holiday window, regardless of creativity.\nBudget planning must also account for operational reality. Inventory, fulfillment, and customer support capacity directly influence conversion. Scarcity messaging can motivate buyers, but running out of product or missing delivery expectations ends the relationship entirely. Adequate stock and reliable fulfillment ensure that demand is captured instead of wasted when customers are ready to commit.\n\n \nTeams need capacity\nHoliday performance is not driven by marketing alone. Execution breaks down when teams are exhausted, unclear on priorities, or reacting instead of following a plan.\nChaos shows up as inconsistent messaging, missed deadlines, and avoidable errors, none of which customers forgive during peak season. Pressure does not create clarity. Preparation does.\nSet expectations early. Define timelines, approvals, and ownership before volume increases. Clarity reduces stress and speeds decision-making when pressure rises. Visible progress toward goals and regular sharing of campaign wins reinforce momentum without adding unnecessary strain.\nWhen teams understand how their work connects directly to revenue and customer experience, quality improves. That consistency is often the difference between a one-time holiday transaction and a customer who returns in January with trust already established.\nHoliday marketing success comes down to timing and execution discipline. Businesses that prepare early, commit to one clear message, fund what converts, and protect their teams tend to finish the season with stronger revenue and momentum that carries into the new year.\n\nTAKE ACTION:\nCreate a simple holiday marketing strategy board now, defining one core message, key dates, channels, budget limits, and ownership.\nThe post How to Win the Holiday Season appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-08-05T08:00:17+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-21T22:00:38+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://businessinaction.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/winholiday-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Holiday", "Marketing Plan", "Marketing Tips", "Promote", "Sales", "Summer", "Marketing" ], "summary": "Plan appealing holiday campaigns well ahead of the season." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/leading-for-the-first-time/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/leading-for-the-first-time/", "title": "Leading for the First Time", "content_html": "

Stepping into your first leadership role can be exhilarating yet daunting.

\n

The transition from individual contributor to leader\u2014or from founder to business owner\u2014requires fresh skills, new perspectives, and a heightened sense of responsibility, so your success often depends less on technical expertise and more on your ability to inspire, communicate, and make sound decisions under pressure. The following tips can help you navigate this critical shift with confidence and purpose.

\n
\"\"
\n

\n

Overcome doubts and fears

\n

You may naturally have some nagging negative thoughts about this venture and even experience impostor syndrome. However, some of the world\u2019s most successful leaders have turned these feelings into fuel. Barbara Corcoran is a well-known example of one who has voluntarily shared the struggles she plowed through, even with public speaking. Ariana Huffington even goes as far as declaring that transforming fear into a stepping stone is one of the most important lessons an entrepreneur can learn.

\n

This is particularly true when it comes to analysis paralysis (overthinking during decision-making, causing you to freeze up) since you won\u2019t always have complete data before making a decision. However, true leadership requires balancing logic with intuition and being willing to adjust course as new facts emerge. The best leaders document decisions, reflect on outcomes, and refine their judgment over time. It\u2019s understandable to have some growing pains in this regard, so cut yourself some slack when\u2014not if\u2014this happens, knowing that you\u2019re sharpening the skill of discernment as you go while moving forward with more confidence.

\n
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\n

\n

Clarify your vision and values

\n

Every great business leader begins with a clear sense of direction, which is reflected in their company\u2019s vision statement, a focal point that guides decisions and aligns everyone toward shared goals. Just as important are your values: the beliefs and principles that shape your culture and decision-making. Values-based leadership builds credibility and trust, especially when challenges arise. Start by articulating what success looks like for your business and the behaviors that will help get you there, then communicate those consistently in words and actions.

\n

Prioritize people over processes

\n

New leaders often fall into the trap of focusing on systems, metrics, and efficiency. While those certainly matter, leadership begins with people, which requires listening as much as speaking, especially concerning your team. You won\u2019t usually find the best ideas holed up in a secretive board room but through having an ongoing companywide conversation from top to bottom and vice versa.

\n

Constructive feedback, both given and received, keeps both you and your teams aligned and growing. Give it freely and frequently, not just when it is expected (i.e., at annual reviews). Praise progress publicly, address challenges privately, and model openness by asking for feedback yourself. By understanding your people\u2019s motivations and goals, you can unlock their full potential; in turn, they can help you reach yours as a leader. And by showing that you genuinely care, both through your words and your policies, you\u2019ll likely earn their loyalty and trust.

\n
\"\"
\n

\n

Master delegation

\n

Despite common belief, delegation isn\u2019t simply assigning tasks to others\u2014it\u2019s entrusting ownership. However, first-time leaders often (and understandably) hesitate to delegate out of fear that quality will suffer or things won\u2019t get done exactly their way. Bill Gates has even admitted that this was a huge stumbling block in his early Microsoft days.

\n

But effective delegation is vital, and it hinges on both competence and consistency. Considering the former, give your team clear expectations, access to resources, and the freedom to make decisions within defined boundaries. Just as important, when mistakes occur, treat them as learning moments for your team, not failures. This will foster confidence and a sense of accountability.

\n

Take care of yourself

\n

Leadership is demanding work, even more than you may anticipate. Long hours, constant decision pressure, and the emotional weight of responsibility can erode even the most capable leader\u2019s performance. If your team sees you burned out, they may think failure\u2019s afoot or that you expect them to push themselves past their boundaries as well.

\n

Because of this reality, be sure to set boundaries and build routines that sustain your energy, such as exercise, meditation, or simply unplugging from technology for a set time every day. After all, a healthy leader sets the tone for a healthy organization.

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\"\"
\n

\n

Keep learning

\n

\u201cLifetime learner\u201d is a phrase often associated with successful leaders because they know that continued business success means continual learning. This is especially true in 2026, as the pace of change in business means today\u2019s best practices may be outdated tomorrow. Adaptability, not certainty, will sustain your leadership. Commit to lifelong learning through books, courses, and conversations with peers and mentors, all of which can dramatically accelerate your growth. Encourage your team to do the same\u2014and encourage them to share their newfound knowledge with the rest of the company to stay ahead of your competition.

\n

Becoming an effective leader is less about arriving at a destination and more about embracing a journey of growth, service, and reflection. You\u2019ll inevitably make mistakes, but each one will teach you something about yourself, your people, and your business. As long as you keep learning and lead with authenticity, your influence will extend far beyond any title or role.

\n
\n

TAKE ACTION:
\nApply at least two or three of these suggestions to your new-leadership playbook to make the transition smoother and jump-start your path to success.

\n

The post Leading for the First Time appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "Stepping into your first leadership role can be exhilarating yet daunting.\nThe transition from individual contributor to leader\u2014or from founder to business owner\u2014requires fresh skills, new perspectives, and a heightened sense of responsibility, so your success often depends less on technical expertise and more on your ability to inspire, communicate, and make sound decisions under pressure. The following tips can help you navigate this critical shift with confidence and purpose.\n\n\nOvercome doubts and fears\nYou may naturally have some nagging negative thoughts about this venture and even experience impostor syndrome. However, some of the world\u2019s most successful leaders have turned these feelings into fuel. Barbara Corcoran is a well-known example of one who has voluntarily shared the struggles she plowed through, even with public speaking. Ariana Huffington even goes as far as declaring that transforming fear into a stepping stone is one of the most important lessons an entrepreneur can learn.\nThis is particularly true when it comes to analysis paralysis (overthinking during decision-making, causing you to freeze up) since you won\u2019t always have complete data before making a decision. However, true leadership requires balancing logic with intuition and being willing to adjust course as new facts emerge. The best leaders document decisions, reflect on outcomes, and refine their judgment over time. It\u2019s understandable to have some growing pains in this regard, so cut yourself some slack when\u2014not if\u2014this happens, knowing that you\u2019re sharpening the skill of discernment as you go while moving forward with more confidence.\n\n\nClarify your vision and values\nEvery great business leader begins with a clear sense of direction, which is reflected in their company\u2019s vision statement, a focal point that guides decisions and aligns everyone toward shared goals. Just as important are your values: the beliefs and principles that shape your culture and decision-making. Values-based leadership builds credibility and trust, especially when challenges arise. Start by articulating what success looks like for your business and the behaviors that will help get you there, then communicate those consistently in words and actions.\nPrioritize people over processes\nNew leaders often fall into the trap of focusing on systems, metrics, and efficiency. While those certainly matter, leadership begins with people, which requires listening as much as speaking, especially concerning your team. You won\u2019t usually find the best ideas holed up in a secretive board room but through having an ongoing companywide conversation from top to bottom and vice versa.\nConstructive feedback, both given and received, keeps both you and your teams aligned and growing. Give it freely and frequently, not just when it is expected (i.e., at annual reviews). Praise progress publicly, address challenges privately, and model openness by asking for feedback yourself. By understanding your people\u2019s motivations and goals, you can unlock their full potential; in turn, they can help you reach yours as a leader. And by showing that you genuinely care, both through your words and your policies, you\u2019ll likely earn their loyalty and trust.\n\n\nMaster delegation\nDespite common belief, delegation isn\u2019t simply assigning tasks to others\u2014it\u2019s entrusting ownership. However, first-time leaders often (and understandably) hesitate to delegate out of fear that quality will suffer or things won\u2019t get done exactly their way. Bill Gates has even admitted that this was a huge stumbling block in his early Microsoft days.\nBut effective delegation is vital, and it hinges on both competence and consistency. Considering the former, give your team clear expectations, access to resources, and the freedom to make decisions within defined boundaries. Just as important, when mistakes occur, treat them as learning moments for your team, not failures. This will foster confidence and a sense of accountability.\nTake care of yourself\nLeadership is demanding work, even more than you may anticipate. Long hours, constant decision pressure, and the emotional weight of responsibility can erode even the most capable leader\u2019s performance. If your team sees you burned out, they may think failure\u2019s afoot or that you expect them to push themselves past their boundaries as well.\nBecause of this reality, be sure to set boundaries and build routines that sustain your energy, such as exercise, meditation, or simply unplugging from technology for a set time every day. After all, a healthy leader sets the tone for a healthy organization.\n\n\nKeep learning\n\u201cLifetime learner\u201d is a phrase often associated with successful leaders because they know that continued business success means continual learning. This is especially true in 2026, as the pace of change in business means today\u2019s best practices may be outdated tomorrow. Adaptability, not certainty, will sustain your leadership. Commit to lifelong learning through books, courses, and conversations with peers and mentors, all of which can dramatically accelerate your growth. Encourage your team to do the same\u2014and encourage them to share their newfound knowledge with the rest of the company to stay ahead of your competition.\nBecoming an effective leader is less about arriving at a destination and more about embracing a journey of growth, service, and reflection. You\u2019ll inevitably make mistakes, but each one will teach you something about yourself, your people, and your business. As long as you keep learning and lead with authenticity, your influence will extend far beyond any title or role.\n\nTAKE ACTION:\nApply at least two or three of these suggestions to your new-leadership playbook to make the transition smoother and jump-start your path to success.\nThe post Leading for the First Time appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-08-03T08:00:17+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-13T18:47:32+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://businessinaction.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/leading-a-team-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Delegation", "Leadership", "Leadership Skills", "Learning", "Wellbeing" ], "summary": "It can be nerve-wracking being a newbie, but this advice can help you overcome common challenges." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/the-brilliance-of-the-blue-ocean-strategy/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/the-brilliance-of-the-blue-ocean-strategy/", "title": "The Brilliance of the Blue Ocean Strategy", "content_html": "

Say you have your sights set on a new enterprise\u2014perhaps one in the ever-growing digital communications, health-care, or dining industry. But as you craft your business plan, you encounter some significant warning signs that you\u2019re in for a bruising battle, fighting tooth and nail for market share, running down costs, and pumping funds into marketing just to gain a foothold in this crowded field.

\n

\"\"But what if instead of contending for a small slice of that pie, you bake a completely new one? Chasing such tantalizing alternatives is at the heart of the blue ocean strategy: creating uncontested market space and making the competition largely irrelevant. For business owners, understanding and applying blue ocean thinking (and red, its alternative) can be a critical framework for generating sustainable growth.

\n

The genesis of the tactic

\n

The concept of red and blue ocean strategies burst onto the business scene when strategic thinkers W. Chan Kim and Ren\u00e9e Mauborgne published their groundbreaking book Blue Ocean Strategy in 2005 (and updated it in 2015). This culmination of a decade-long study of business schemes across over thirty industries challenged conventional wisdom that success hinged primarily on beating one\u2019s rivals. Such traditional thinking, they argued, operated from an overly militaristic perspective of seeking competitive advantages within existing industries.

\n

Through their work, Kim and Mauborgne proposed a paradigm shift. Instead of focusing on competition, leaders should turn to value innovation: the simultaneous pursuit of superior value for customers and lower costs for the company. Their research highlighted businesses that had succeeded not by winning battles but by avoiding them altogether\u2014and opening vast new market spaces in the process.

\n
\"\"
\n

\n

Defining the oceans

\n

To effectively navigate these strategies, it\u2019s crucial to understand the distinct characteristics of each \u201cocean\u201d that entrepreneurs can wade into.

\n

The red ocean: competing in known markets
\nBusinesses that take this approach, named for blood in the water, occupy popular market space and strive to earn their own share of existing demand and outdo competitors. To succeed, they must typically choose between offering a highly differentiated product at a premium or a low-cost product with standard features. The result is price wars, aggressive advertising campaigns that directly compare products, and research into incremental product improvements.

\n

Leaders must also diligently suppress operational costs and hyper-differentiate their organization with unique branding. A prime example is the intensely competitive and saturated telecommunications market, where a few major companies are constantly vying to persuade the same customers.

\n

The blue ocean: exploring new market spaces
\nWhile it\u2019s possible to succeed in a red ocean, Kim and Mauborgne\u2019s alternative may be more lucrative: shifting to the clear waters of a blue one. Here, you leverage innovation to effectively make the competition irrelevant. To pursue this path, you offer the market something fundamentally new and more valuable, the likes of which potential consumers haven\u2019t seen.

\n

However, because markets may be unfamiliar with your products or services (or at least your company\u2019s unique approach to them), creating and capturing new demand may require that you initially sell your offerings at low costs. You will be asking prospects to take a leap and try something unfamiliar, so succeeding in blue oceans means successfully convincing them that you not only are worth the risk but also offer a value proposition that no one else does. Additionally, you\u2019ll need to continue innovating should competitors imitate your ideas or otherwise enter your space. Continually pushing new ideas further and introducing new ones can help prevent a blue ocean from becoming a red one.

\n

Many companies have taken such avenues to stellar success, including these examples:

\n

Amazon
\nThis megaretailer is an example of a company that consistently works to turn a red ocean into a blue one. While it already dominates the crowded field of e-commerce through competitive pricing and customer service, it continually forges ahead with creative initiatives like Amazon Web Services and drone deliveries (in a few states), thereby creating entirely new markets.

\n

Cirque du Soleil
\nInstead of competing with traditional circuses that relied on star animal acts and expensive performers, Cirque du Soleil eliminated these high-cost elements in favor of a theatrical storytelling performance that appeals to adults and youth alike, making it a Las Vegas mainstay and international sensation.

\n

Netflix
\nInitially, Netflix disrupted the video rental market by eliminating late fees and physical store visits (major customer pain points), instead creating a subscription-based, mail-order DVD service that offered unparalleled selection and convenience. Later, it executed another seemingly blue ocean move by leapfrogging into streaming media, further enhancing convenience and becoming content creators in their own right.

\n

\"\"

\n

Finding your path

\n

You may find that your route to success begins with market research, either independently (e.g., conducting social media polls) or via a third-party researcher. The results of said research can reveal which type of ocean lies before you should you follow this enterprise.

\n

However, Kim and Mauborgne\u2019s lesson is clear: don\u2019t fight harder in red oceans; fight smarter in blue ones. Understand where the competition is fierce, and keep an eye out for unexplored opportunities. Should you sail with confidence and preparation into an innovative space, you can position your business to not only survive but also grow, profit, and lead.

\n

For more info, visit blueoceanstrategy.com

\n
\n

TAKE ACTION:
\nLearn more about practicing these methods by enrolling in one of the authors\u2019 strategic programs.

\n

The post The Brilliance of the Blue Ocean Strategy appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "Say you have your sights set on a new enterprise\u2014perhaps one in the ever-growing digital communications, health-care, or dining industry. But as you craft your business plan, you encounter some significant warning signs that you\u2019re in for a bruising battle, fighting tooth and nail for market share, running down costs, and pumping funds into marketing just to gain a foothold in this crowded field.\nBut what if instead of contending for a small slice of that pie, you bake a completely new one? Chasing such tantalizing alternatives is at the heart of the blue ocean strategy: creating uncontested market space and making the competition largely irrelevant. For business owners, understanding and applying blue ocean thinking (and red, its alternative) can be a critical framework for generating sustainable growth.\nThe genesis of the tactic\nThe concept of red and blue ocean strategies burst onto the business scene when strategic thinkers W. Chan Kim and Ren\u00e9e Mauborgne published their groundbreaking book Blue Ocean Strategy in 2005 (and updated it in 2015). This culmination of a decade-long study of business schemes across over thirty industries challenged conventional wisdom that success hinged primarily on beating one\u2019s rivals. Such traditional thinking, they argued, operated from an overly militaristic perspective of seeking competitive advantages within existing industries.\nThrough their work, Kim and Mauborgne proposed a paradigm shift. Instead of focusing on competition, leaders should turn to value innovation: the simultaneous pursuit of superior value for customers and lower costs for the company. Their research highlighted businesses that had succeeded not by winning battles but by avoiding them altogether\u2014and opening vast new market spaces in the process.\n\n\nDefining the oceans\nTo effectively navigate these strategies, it\u2019s crucial to understand the distinct characteristics of each \u201cocean\u201d that entrepreneurs can wade into.\nThe red ocean: competing in known markets\nBusinesses that take this approach, named for blood in the water, occupy popular market space and strive to earn their own share of existing demand and outdo competitors. To succeed, they must typically choose between offering a highly differentiated product at a premium or a low-cost product with standard features. The result is price wars, aggressive advertising campaigns that directly compare products, and research into incremental product improvements.\nLeaders must also diligently suppress operational costs and hyper-differentiate their organization with unique branding. A prime example is the intensely competitive and saturated telecommunications market, where a few major companies are constantly vying to persuade the same customers.\nThe blue ocean: exploring new market spaces\nWhile it\u2019s possible to succeed in a red ocean, Kim and Mauborgne\u2019s alternative may be more lucrative: shifting to the clear waters of a blue one. Here, you leverage innovation to effectively make the competition irrelevant. To pursue this path, you offer the market something fundamentally new and more valuable, the likes of which potential consumers haven\u2019t seen.\nHowever, because markets may be unfamiliar with your products or services (or at least your company\u2019s unique approach to them), creating and capturing new demand may require that you initially sell your offerings at low costs. You will be asking prospects to take a leap and try something unfamiliar, so succeeding in blue oceans means successfully convincing them that you not only are worth the risk but also offer a value proposition that no one else does. Additionally, you\u2019ll need to continue innovating should competitors imitate your ideas or otherwise enter your space. Continually pushing new ideas further and introducing new ones can help prevent a blue ocean from becoming a red one.\nMany companies have taken such avenues to stellar success, including these examples:\nAmazon\nThis megaretailer is an example of a company that consistently works to turn a red ocean into a blue one. While it already dominates the crowded field of e-commerce through competitive pricing and customer service, it continually forges ahead with creative initiatives like Amazon Web Services and drone deliveries (in a few states), thereby creating entirely new markets.\nCirque du Soleil\nInstead of competing with traditional circuses that relied on star animal acts and expensive performers, Cirque du Soleil eliminated these high-cost elements in favor of a theatrical storytelling performance that appeals to adults and youth alike, making it a Las Vegas mainstay and international sensation.\nNetflix\nInitially, Netflix disrupted the video rental market by eliminating late fees and physical store visits (major customer pain points), instead creating a subscription-based, mail-order DVD service that offered unparalleled selection and convenience. Later, it executed another seemingly blue ocean move by leapfrogging into streaming media, further enhancing convenience and becoming content creators in their own right.\n\nFinding your path\nYou may find that your route to success begins with market research, either independently (e.g., conducting social media polls) or via a third-party researcher. The results of said research can reveal which type of ocean lies before you should you follow this enterprise.\nHowever, Kim and Mauborgne\u2019s lesson is clear: don\u2019t fight harder in red oceans; fight smarter in blue ones. Understand where the competition is fierce, and keep an eye out for unexplored opportunities. Should you sail with confidence and preparation into an innovative space, you can position your business to not only survive but also grow, profit, and lead.\nFor more info, visit blueoceanstrategy.com\n\nTAKE ACTION:\nLearn more about practicing these methods by enrolling in one of the authors\u2019 strategic programs.\nThe post The Brilliance of the Blue Ocean Strategy appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-07-31T08:00:34+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-09T22:47:27+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://businessinaction.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/oceanstrategy-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Books", "Business Books", "Business Strategy", "Leadership Skills", "Strategy", "Leadership" ], "summary": "Apply this noted tool to your next entrepreneurial venture to boost your chances of becoming profitable." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/why-ceos-need-decision-audits/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/leadership/why-ceos-need-decision-audits/", "title": "Why CEOs Need Decision Audits", "content_html": "

It\u2019s an undeniable truth: everybody makes mistakes. Even the greatest CEO could build the perfect strategy, rely on the right data, and surround themselves with top-notch advisors yet still make a decision that negatively impacts their company. When you\u2019re in this situation, the difference between faltering and thriving may lie in how you respond when outcomes don\u2019t match your intent.

\n

Enter the decision audit: a structured process you can use to evaluate your choices, learn from them, and reverse course with integrity. It\u2019s the business equivalent of a postgame review, as it examines how a choice was made, not just whether it was successful. When used effectively, this tool can turn hindsight into fuel for better foresight while helping to uncover potential blind spots or biases and strengthening your decision-making abilities.

\n

 

\n
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\n

 

\n

Why decision audits matter

\n

When a major decision doesn\u2019t deliver as expected, the instinct is often to move on quickly, either out of discomfort or urgency. But that impulse is often a missed opportunity. A decision audit helps you deconstruct the context so you can uncover the true cause of the outcome\u2014thus avoiding a repeat of the same mistake and creating lasting improvement. The goal is to provide greater clarity and understanding of why the decision failed and what you need to change so the next one fares better. Here\u2019s a closer look at five core steps to follow.

\n

1. Define your purpose
\nStart by naming the decision or set of decisions you want to evaluate. Focus on high-impact choices that shaped strategy, spending, product direction, or culture. Once you know what you want to look at, you can then define your goals for the audit: Are you trying to understand why a product underperformed, why a hiring strategy backfired, or why a partnership faltered? Clarity here ensures that your audit stays actionable and doesn\u2019t veer into broad theorizing.

\n

2. Reconstruct and evaluate the process
\nNext, piece together the decision timeline by answering key questions:

\n\n

The intent is to test the process and evaluate its quality. You already know the outcome, but looking back at what all impacted the decision can help you better pinpoint where you need to improve in the future.

\n

 

\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

3. Assess the outcome in context
\nWith that being said, while the audit is process-focused, the outcome does still matter. Consider whether the decision met its intended goal, and account for external variables like market shifts, competitor actions, or regulatory hurdles. Did the result stem from a flawed process, bad luck, or a mixture of both? Distinguishing between the two can show whether there\u2019s something you need to improve in your decision-making process or if you must accept that some risks simply materialized despite sound choices.

\n

4. Translate lessons into action
\nHere\u2019s where audits become truly powerful. Take what you\u2019ve learned and translate it into concrete next steps, such as process changes, new guardrails, or even a reversal of the decision itself. Admitting you were wrong takes courage, but great leaders can own it publicly and still maintain their forward momentum.

\n

Consider Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks. He famously did this when he realized the company\u2019s focus on expansion had diluted the customer experience. By examining his past choices and acknowledging his missteps, he realigned the brand around quality and connection\u2014a move that reignited growth. His example shows that reversals, when done well, signal discipline and humility, not weakness.

\n

 

\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

5. Make it a habit
\nA single audit is useful, but consistent, periodic audits can be transformational. Embedding this tool into your leadership rhythm, be it quarterly, after major launches, or during annual reviews, can help make you less reactive and more reflective while sharpening your instincts. As a bonus, you can champion a culture that prizes learning over ego.

\n

Remember, mistakes are inevitable, but learning from them is a choice. Great leaders don\u2019t pretend to be infallible. Instead, they build processes that expose errors, extract truth, and convert lessons into practical improvements.

\n
\n

TAKE ACTION:
\nIdentify one questionable high-impact decision you\u2019ve made in the past six months. Conduct a decision audit using the five-step framework to glean new insights and potential improvements.

\n

The post Why CEOs Need Decision Audits appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "It\u2019s an undeniable truth: everybody makes mistakes. Even the greatest CEO could build the perfect strategy, rely on the right data, and surround themselves with top-notch advisors yet still make a decision that negatively impacts their company. When you\u2019re in this situation, the difference between faltering and thriving may lie in how you respond when outcomes don\u2019t match your intent.\nEnter the decision audit: a structured process you can use to evaluate your choices, learn from them, and reverse course with integrity. It\u2019s the business equivalent of a postgame review, as it examines how a choice was made, not just whether it was successful. When used effectively, this tool can turn hindsight into fuel for better foresight while helping to uncover potential blind spots or biases and strengthening your decision-making abilities.\n \n\n \nWhy decision audits matter\nWhen a major decision doesn\u2019t deliver as expected, the instinct is often to move on quickly, either out of discomfort or urgency. But that impulse is often a missed opportunity. A decision audit helps you deconstruct the context so you can uncover the true cause of the outcome\u2014thus avoiding a repeat of the same mistake and creating lasting improvement. The goal is to provide greater clarity and understanding of why the decision failed and what you need to change so the next one fares better. Here\u2019s a closer look at five core steps to follow.\n1. Define your purpose\nStart by naming the decision or set of decisions you want to evaluate. Focus on high-impact choices that shaped strategy, spending, product direction, or culture. Once you know what you want to look at, you can then define your goals for the audit: Are you trying to understand why a product underperformed, why a hiring strategy backfired, or why a partnership faltered? Clarity here ensures that your audit stays actionable and doesn\u2019t veer into broad theorizing.\n2. Reconstruct and evaluate the process\nNext, piece together the decision timeline by answering key questions:\n\nWho was involved in discussions, and why?\nWhat evidence, including data, forecasts, and customer insights, was available at the time?\nWere any alternatives seriously considered?\nWhat assumptions (explicit or implicit) drove the choice?\nWhat external pressures, such as deadlines or stakeholders, influenced the process?\n\nThe intent is to test the process and evaluate its quality. You already know the outcome, but looking back at what all impacted the decision can help you better pinpoint where you need to improve in the future.\n \n\n \n3. Assess the outcome in context\nWith that being said, while the audit is process-focused, the outcome does still matter. Consider whether the decision met its intended goal, and account for external variables like market shifts, competitor actions, or regulatory hurdles. Did the result stem from a flawed process, bad luck, or a mixture of both? Distinguishing between the two can show whether there\u2019s something you need to improve in your decision-making process or if you must accept that some risks simply materialized despite sound choices.\n4. Translate lessons into action\nHere\u2019s where audits become truly powerful. Take what you\u2019ve learned and translate it into concrete next steps, such as process changes, new guardrails, or even a reversal of the decision itself. Admitting you were wrong takes courage, but great leaders can own it publicly and still maintain their forward momentum.\nConsider Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks. He famously did this when he realized the company\u2019s focus on expansion had diluted the customer experience. By examining his past choices and acknowledging his missteps, he realigned the brand around quality and connection\u2014a move that reignited growth. His example shows that reversals, when done well, signal discipline and humility, not weakness.\n \n\n \n5. Make it a habit\nA single audit is useful, but consistent, periodic audits can be transformational. Embedding this tool into your leadership rhythm, be it quarterly, after major launches, or during annual reviews, can help make you less reactive and more reflective while sharpening your instincts. As a bonus, you can champion a culture that prizes learning over ego.\nRemember, mistakes are inevitable, but learning from them is a choice. Great leaders don\u2019t pretend to be infallible. Instead, they build processes that expose errors, extract truth, and convert lessons into practical improvements.\n\nTAKE ACTION:\nIdentify one questionable high-impact decision you\u2019ve made in the past six months. Conduct a decision audit using the five-step framework to glean new insights and potential improvements.\nThe post Why CEOs Need Decision Audits appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-07-29T08:00:32+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-09T22:47:42+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://businessinaction.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/decision-audit-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Audit", "CEO", "Decision", "Leadership", "Planning" ], "summary": "Discover why you should regularly audit your decisions to sharpen your strategy and strengthen your judgment." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/productivity/the-advantages-of-short-term-plans/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/productivity/the-advantages-of-short-term-plans/", "title": "The Advantages of Short-Term Plans", "content_html": "

For decades, the five-year plan has been a cornerstone of strategic business thinking.

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It seemingly promises direction and a sense of control over the future. But today\u2019s markets can shift in months and technologies evolve by the quarter, so such a traditional framework can do more harm than good. Clinging only to long-range plans can blind leaders to real-time data, slow down decision-making, and cause organizations to overlook the importance of responsiveness. That\u2019s why agility isn\u2019t just nice to have\u2014it\u2019s nonnegotiable. Today\u2019s leaders also need to consider a shorter road map.

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The problem with long-term planning

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Five-year plans often assume stable conditions and predictable variables. But the reality is that most industries today face fast-moving dynamics, such as quickly shifting customer expectations and technological advances. The bottom line: A plan you make for your business today could be completely obsolete in six months, and you may end up pouring time and resources into objectives that no longer make sense while missing out on new opportunities that could actually propel your organization forward. What\u2019s more, five-year plans can create a false sense of certainty that causes your team to delay necessary pivots or resist innovation if it doesn\u2019t align with prewritten goals.

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Nokia\u2019s decline is a telling example of this. In the early 2000s, the company was the global leader in mobile phones, commanding roughly a third of the global handset market. Its strategy was rooted in device manufacturing and hardware, not in mobile ecosystems. So when the smartphone era dawned, Nokia was already behind and didn\u2019t want to move away from what was previously working. Despite warnings from inside the company, its executives remained committed to its original path. By the time Nokia pivoted, it was too late\u2014and this was a huge reason it lost its relevance in that space in just a few years.

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Incorporate shorter planning cycles

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Shifting away from rigid five-year plans doesn\u2019t mean abandoning your vision. Every great business still needs a north star\u2014a clear picture of where it\u2019s headed and why. But the path toward that vision must be flexible and iterative. Rather than relying on static, long-term plans, your organization may benefit more from shorter cycles, such as ninety-day sprints, that allow for rapid iteration and responsiveness.

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These focused intervals promote clarity, accelerate feedback, and make it easier to pivot when new challenges or opportunities arise. At the end of each sprint, you can reassess your goals to reinforce what\u2019s working and adjust or abandon what isn\u2019t, helping you maintain long-term focus without sacrificing short-term flexibility. To build more agility into your operations, consider incorporating some or all of these tools into your planning process:

\n\n

No matter which approach you take, the key is to break your overarching goals into smaller, more agile chunks. This kind of nimbleness can help your business stay aligned with its vision while responding quickly to change and remaining competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.

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Build agility into your culture

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Ultimately, agility isn\u2019t just a strategy\u2014it\u2019s a trait that must be woven into the fabric of your organization. Fostering this mindset means creating a culture where innovation is encouraged and progress is prioritized over perfection. Teams should feel empowered to explore new technologies, adapt workflows, and pursue product enhancements without fear of failure. In fact, smart failures should be celebrated as essential steps toward growth and improvement.

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Netflix is a prime example of this and is often cited for its culture of \u201cfreedom and responsibility.\u201d Employees are trusted to make decisions for themselves and pivot when needed without relying on long planning cycles or excessive oversight. That trust means that it\u2019s OK for team members to fail when they\u2019re pursuing excellence and actively striving to make the company better each day.

\n

Google embraces a similar philosophy with its OKR system. Both the company and its employees set bold goals each quarter, aiming to achieve around 60 to 70 percent of them. This structure encourages ambitious thinking and invites people to stretch beyond their comfort zones. As Google puts it, \u201cEven failed goals tend to result in substantial advancements.\u201d

\n

The real danger of traditional five-year plans is the false sense of certainty they offer in an unpredictable world. Today\u2019s most effective leaders understand that while long-term vision and discipline remain vital, they must be paired with short-term adaptability. Agility requires the willingness to revise, reverse, and rethink based on what\u2019s happening now\u2014not just what was forecasted years ago.

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TAKE ACTION:
\nTest a ninety-day planning cycle for one team or initiative, pairing it with a few agile tools, like OKRs or retrospectives, to see how shorter timelines can boost focus and flexibility.

\n

The post The Advantages of Short-Term Plans appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "For decades, the five-year plan has been a cornerstone of strategic business thinking.\nIt seemingly promises direction and a sense of control over the future. But today\u2019s markets can shift in months and technologies evolve by the quarter, so such a traditional framework can do more harm than good. Clinging only to long-range plans can blind leaders to real-time data, slow down decision-making, and cause organizations to overlook the importance of responsiveness. That\u2019s why agility isn\u2019t just nice to have\u2014it\u2019s nonnegotiable. Today\u2019s leaders also need to consider a shorter road map.\n \n\n \nThe problem with long-term planning\nFive-year plans often assume stable conditions and predictable variables. But the reality is that most industries today face fast-moving dynamics, such as quickly shifting customer expectations and technological advances. The bottom line: A plan you make for your business today could be completely obsolete in six months, and you may end up pouring time and resources into objectives that no longer make sense while missing out on new opportunities that could actually propel your organization forward. What\u2019s more, five-year plans can create a false sense of certainty that causes your team to delay necessary pivots or resist innovation if it doesn\u2019t align with prewritten goals.\nNokia\u2019s decline is a telling example of this. In the early 2000s, the company was the global leader in mobile phones, commanding roughly a third of the global handset market. Its strategy was rooted in device manufacturing and hardware, not in mobile ecosystems. So when the smartphone era dawned, Nokia was already behind and didn\u2019t want to move away from what was previously working. Despite warnings from inside the company, its executives remained committed to its original path. By the time Nokia pivoted, it was too late\u2014and this was a huge reason it lost its relevance in that space in just a few years.\n \n\n \nIncorporate shorter planning cycles\nShifting away from rigid five-year plans doesn\u2019t mean abandoning your vision. Every great business still needs a north star\u2014a clear picture of where it\u2019s headed and why. But the path toward that vision must be flexible and iterative. Rather than relying on static, long-term plans, your organization may benefit more from shorter cycles, such as ninety-day sprints, that allow for rapid iteration and responsiveness.\nThese focused intervals promote clarity, accelerate feedback, and make it easier to pivot when new challenges or opportunities arise. At the end of each sprint, you can reassess your goals to reinforce what\u2019s working and adjust or abandon what isn\u2019t, helping you maintain long-term focus without sacrificing short-term flexibility. To build more agility into your operations, consider incorporating some or all of these tools into your planning process:\n\nQuarterly objectives and key results (OKRs): Set three to five top-level objectives every ninety days with measurable key results.\nRetrospectives: Hold end-of-quarter reviews to evaluate wins and missteps and determine course corrections.\nSprint planning: Break down quarterly goals into biweekly or monthly divisions with focused outcomes.\nScorecards: Use live dashboards with leading indicators to track progress in real time.\nDecision journals: Log assumptions and decisions to assess accuracy and refine thinking over time.\n\nNo matter which approach you take, the key is to break your overarching goals into smaller, more agile chunks. This kind of nimbleness can help your business stay aligned with its vision while responding quickly to change and remaining competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.\n \n\n \nBuild agility into your culture\nUltimately, agility isn\u2019t just a strategy\u2014it\u2019s a trait that must be woven into the fabric of your organization. Fostering this mindset means creating a culture where innovation is encouraged and progress is prioritized over perfection. Teams should feel empowered to explore new technologies, adapt workflows, and pursue product enhancements without fear of failure. In fact, smart failures should be celebrated as essential steps toward growth and improvement.\nNetflix is a prime example of this and is often cited for its culture of \u201cfreedom and responsibility.\u201d Employees are trusted to make decisions for themselves and pivot when needed without relying on long planning cycles or excessive oversight. That trust means that it\u2019s OK for team members to fail when they\u2019re pursuing excellence and actively striving to make the company better each day.\nGoogle embraces a similar philosophy with its OKR system. Both the company and its employees set bold goals each quarter, aiming to achieve around 60 to 70 percent of them. This structure encourages ambitious thinking and invites people to stretch beyond their comfort zones. As Google puts it, \u201cEven failed goals tend to result in substantial advancements.\u201d\nThe real danger of traditional five-year plans is the false sense of certainty they offer in an unpredictable world. Today\u2019s most effective leaders understand that while long-term vision and discipline remain vital, they must be paired with short-term adaptability. Agility requires the willingness to revise, reverse, and rethink based on what\u2019s happening now\u2014not just what was forecasted years ago.\n\nTAKE ACTION:\nTest a ninety-day planning cycle for one team or initiative, pairing it with a few agile tools, like OKRs or retrospectives, to see how shorter timelines can boost focus and flexibility.\nThe post The Advantages of Short-Term Plans appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-07-27T08:00:58+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-09T22:47:57+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://businessinaction.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/short-term-plans-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Agility", "Business Strategy", "Leadership", "Planning", "Strategy", "Productivity" ], "summary": "Learn why agility might be the key to staying competitive in a rapidly changing world." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/small-business/the-importance-of-client-hosting-spaces/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/small-business/the-importance-of-client-hosting-spaces/", "title": "The Importance of Client-Hosting Spaces", "content_html": "

The post The Importance of Client-Hosting Spaces appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post The Importance of Client-Hosting Spaces appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-07-24T08:00:03+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-13T19:22:39+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Design", "Interior Design", "Leadership", "Lobby", "Office Design", "Small Business" ], "summary": "Learn why you should enhance the public spaces throughout your business." }, { "id": "https://businessinaction.com/sales/what-summer-camp-can-teach-you-about-selling/", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/sales/what-summer-camp-can-teach-you-about-selling/", "title": "What Summer Camp Can Teach You About Selling", "content_html": "

The post What Summer Camp Can Teach You About Selling appeared first on Business In Action.

\n", "content_text": "The post What Summer Camp Can Teach You About Selling appeared first on Business In Action.", "date_published": "2026-07-22T08:00:01+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-13T19:36:40+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://businessinaction.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Sales", "Summer", "Training" ], "summary": "Find out how the lessons that made you a great camper can make you an even better salesperson." } ] }